Wike accuses FG of plotting blackmail

- Governor Nyesom Wike alleges that the FG is plotting a political blackmail against Rivers state to drive away investors

- The governor urges the Norwegian government to partner with the Rivers state government in the setting up of ship building company

Wike has said the FG was against Rivers state because it was being rule by the opposition.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has alleged that the federal government was using agencies in a desperate political blackmail against the state for the purpose of slowing down its rapid development.

Wike made the allegation on Thursday, February 9, when the Norwegian ambassador to Nigeria, Jens-Peter Kjemprud, visited him at the government House in Port Harcourt, Guardian reports.

“Don’t bother about the politicking. As an opposition state, when you are doing well in terms of project execution and good governance, the Federal Government blackmails you to drive away investors. We are focused on our goal of developing our state. Therefore, we shall continue to partner with foreign and national investors to develop the Rivers economy," he said.

The governor urged the Norwegian Government to partner with the Rivers state government in the setting up of ship building company, pointing out that investing companies will receive tax relief.

Wike said Rivers state was ready to provide the enabling environment for commercial agriculture investors, both in fishing and crop production.

The governor further called on Norway to set up a visa centre in Port Harcourt to cater for the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones of the country.

On his part, the Norwegian ambassador said Norway was prepared to collaborate with the state in the areas of energy, ship building, human capital development and technology transfer in her relationship with Rivers state.

In other news, the Rivers state government has set up a Task Force to tackle the black soot polluting the atmosphere of Port Harcourt and its environs.

The Task Force is mandated to investigate and resolve the environmental challenge.

This was part of the resolutions of the State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, February 8 at the government House, Port Harcourt Executive Council Chambers chaired by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The Task Force to investigate the Black Soot has the Commissioner of Environment, Professor Roseline Konya, Commissioner of Special Duties, Emeka Onowu and the Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George as members.